What is a CASA

The needs of children in foster care

Children in foster care were at one time happy and safe, but through no fault of their own, they have now been removed from their homes to protect them and prioritize their best interest. These youth have experienced trauma due to abuse or neglect and are facing further trauma from the experience that is supposed to help and protect them. Any guidance for these children can be extremely beneficial in supporting their continued development and to preserve their self-esteem. That’s where a CASA volunteer comes in. They give these children hope and comfort while the parents, DCS, Court and others do what is necessary to make sure the child can be a in permanent, safe, and loving home.

The CASA volunteers

Many people may believe that a CASA volunteer must be someone with a degree in childcare or law or that they need to have a background in child welfare, but that isn’t the case. CASA volunteers come from all walks of life. However, certain qualities help CASA volunteers to be more effective in their role as a child advocate. This video explores those qualities and how they are beneficial. CASA volunteers share a common desire to make a difference in their community. They are all passionate about making a substantive difference in a child’s life.

The role of a CASA volunteer

There are many people that come in and out of a child’s life once they have been removed from their home, but a CASA volunteer is the only person whose sole role is to be the voice for that child. A CASA volunteer advocates in the child’s best interest within the Court and out in the world where the child lives every day. They get to know the child and understand the circumstances that led to the child’s removal from their home. A CASA will take the time to gather as much information about the child and their case circumstances as possible. They can do that by reaching out to the child’s social worker, the foster or group home, the case manager, their teachers, their counselors, or therapist. Together they can all collaborate on what is in the best interest of the child.

The impact of a CASA volunteer

Children that do not have an adult advocating for their best interest may have additional foster placements and be lost in an overwhelmed system. A CASA volunteer can take the time to understand the child and help guide decisions related to placements, behavior and overall well-being. The CASA helps ensure the child receives Court ordered services and will speak up if services should be added or altered. These youth need someone they can trust and a consistent presence during this time on their life. The CASA volunteer is that presence and brings hope to each child so they can see a brighter future.

Taking the next step

Even though specific experience is not necessary to become a CASA volunteer, there are still certain requirements for becoming a child advocate. This video walks you through those requirements as well as takes a look at the application process itself.

About the CASA program

The Court Appointed Special Advocate, or CASA, program was originally established in 1977 and since its inception, has grown to 49 states across the nation. As of 2021, there are over 96,000 volunteers serving over 276,000 children. The CASA program eventually expanded to Arizona and was established in Maricopa Country in 1985. In Arizona, the program can be found in all 15 counties and has 1200 volunteers, half of which are based in Maricopa County. In Arizona a CASA volunteer will interact with: CASA of Arizona, their County CASA program, such as CASA of Maricopa County, and their support council such as Voices for CASA Children in Maricopa County.